2016 Legislative Wrap-up

Friday, we’re live at the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics for a look at Utah’s 2016 legislative session. We’ll start with House Speaker Republican Greg Hughes and Democratic Senator Jim Dabakis for an insider’s view of the 45 days. We’ll also talk to KUER’s Brian Grimmett and the Salt Lake Tribune’s Robert Gehrke and Jennifer Dobner about what passed, what didn’t, and what made two opposing lawmakers dress in 18th century costume and attempt to bust a rhyme in floor debate.

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Medical marijuana is legal in 23 U.S. states, and Utah is now considering whether it should be an option for patients here. Two bills are working their way through the legislature. The more controversial is sponsored by Republican Senator Mark Madsen. It proposes making the whole plant - including the psychoactive chemical THC - available. Wednesday, we’re talking about the bill and the politics around it. We’ll also break down the science to analyze the benefits and risks of medical marijuana.

Tuesday, we’re asking the question at the heart of a resolution proposed by Utah Senator Todd Weiler: is pornography a public health crisis? Anti-porn groups point out that we’re not talking about a Playboy centerfold. They say a simple internet search will lead you to free content that’s degrading, violent, and hijacking our sense of healthy sexuality. But others say porn is a symptom, not the cause of anxiety, depression, and shame. Doug is joined by Weiler and others to explore the arguments.

Utah Senator Steve Urquhart says the LDS Church “effectively snuffed out” his bill to strengthen the state’s hate crime laws. Last week, the Church criticized any legislation that would upset the “careful balance” Utah achieved between LGBT rights and religious liberty with last year’s anti-discrimination law. Wednesday, Urquhart and others will join us to talk about the timing of his bill, what balance should look like it, and why proponents argue the state’s current hate crime law falls short.